We all have to write whether we like it or not. I happen to love it to bits, but I know many of you don’t so need some help. Many of you do, but need some help to get it rolling.

How can we help you with your writing? Just say!

So, I want to start a monthly newsletter to make you folks more comfortable with whatever you want or need to write. No bullsh*t, nice and concise.

It will share tips from my vast range of utterly hysterical experience in writing everything from books to funny jokes on toilet rolls (seriously), plus that of many other writing experts from all over the world.

Now, never mind what I think we should share. What do YOU want some help with? For example:

Have you ever thought just how valuable your blog can be, as the basis for a range of content to promote your business or interest? Now that more and more social media platforms are not only accepting, but also encouraging much longer posts, you have widely increased opportunities get your message out there.

We were talking about this at meeting a couple of days ago

I was asked to lead a discussion about blogging at a networking event last week and saw a few eyes glance upwards when I mentioned the “B” word. But contrary to the views of some in the room, blogging still hasn’t gone out of fashion. Quite the opposite, in fact. [Read more…]

What does it take to make a brilliant short story? A lot depends on your taste in writing, and/or the taste in reading of your audience if it is already established. And there are many types of short story – almost as many different types as there are genres in full-length books.

However as you would expect, a short story is rather different from a full length book, and different from an essay, too.

Writing a short story is like taking a snapshot

Whether you’re writing about something that actually has happened to you – or, you’re making up a fictional story – you have little time for anything but the key points.

It’s hard to know just how much description to include (where the story takes place, what the characters do and look like, the time of year, etc.) And you have no time for any “back story” to introduce readers to the action.

Have you ever wondered why the British seem far more relaxed about using swear words in writing and speech than people from other English-speaking nations?

Many linguists are of the opinion that because swear words are used much more commonly in English-language film and TV programmes, on live radio and TV (hopefully after the watershed), and in general conversation, the words have gradually lost their rudeness and shock-value.

Can some swearing is speech and writing be justified?

Which could be a shame, in a way. If current swear words have lost their mojos, how next can we express ourselves with vigour and shock factor? But that’s probably for another article/thought piece.

It’s true that many millennials use rude language pretty freely wherever they live within the USA, Canada, Australia and other English language areas. But if you are the wrong side of 25 years old, you may well be influenced by older values that vary wildly from country to country.

“Asking whether women should swear is a bit like asking whether women should have children out of wedlock, or weigh more than seven stone: it’s a question designed for no other purpose than to allow people to air their prejudices. And those prejudices are, in most cases, socially selective. If a single mother on benefits peppers her discourse with ‘f*ck, tw*t and b*stard’, people say she’s ignorant, unable to express herself in any other way. If a stand-up comedian who went to public (private) school uses the same words in his act, people say it’s edgy and subversive.” Seems that people have serious double standards where swearing is concerned. Read this article – as well as the rest of mine here!

How to write better jokes … If you’re hurrying to write your New Year’s resolutions, here are some humorous ideas to give you (and your dog, and your horse) inspiration … curated from some of the best sources on the internet. I’ve included a sample from each, so enjoy…!

Unijokes (one or two of their jokes are a little risqué)
A Senator in the USA was once asked about his attitude toward whisky. “If you mean the demon drink that poisons the mind, pollutes the body, desecrates family life, and inflames sinners, then I’m against it. But if you mean the elixir of a New Year toast, the shield against winter chill, the taxable potion that puts needed funds into public coffers to comfort little crippled children, then I’m for it. This is my position, and I will not compromise.”

OneLineFun
I was going to quit all my bad habits for the new year, but then I remembered that nobody likes a quitter. [Read more…]

How To Write Better HTWB

with Suzan St Maur

Welcome! Here on How To Write Better (HTWB!), you'll learn how to improve your writing...
*Nonfiction
*Fiction
*Poetry
*Humour
*Speeches and Talks
*Wedding Speeches
*Social Writing
*Grammar
*Business
*Marketing
*Blogging
*Social Media
*Video and Audio
*Job Search
*Training
*and much more
... in more than 1,500 articles and tutorials by some of the English language's top writing experts. Find what you need in the SEARCH box top right and check out SUZE'S BOOKSHOP, too (tool bar top right.)

JOIN US IN "WRITING FROM THE HEART," AND BE READ BY THOUSANDS

Share your innermost thoughts, from the heart, in verse, as a short story, an essay, etc. in this reader-led series on HTWB. First-time authors and experienced scribes are equally welcome!
Be sure to include a short bio, all links you would like, and a JPG photo of yourself.
Although we can't pay for contributions, our reach is approx. 2,000 page views per day across all English language markets, plus India and other south-east Asian countries, followed by most other countries where English is spoken.
THE SMALL PRINT...
Please note that we must maintain editorial control and that our editorial decisions are final. All content must be original, written by you, and not have been published elsewhere previously. Business related content is not allowed unless there is a strong emotional/personal connection. Maximum word count is 1,500.
Send to suze@suzanstmaur.com with "HTWB" in the subject line.

Click on the image to read samples from Suze's hilarious book of rude poems: the perfect gift for anyone with a naughty sense of humour!

Categories

Follow!

Facebook feed

More advice that involves "free" writing (or "Morning Pages" as in the article below) ... it really does work.

Does finding your voice as a blogger sound like a fuzzy concept to you? When you find your true voice as a writer, your blog will stand out from the crowds. This is because your authentic voice is totally unique. No other blogger could ever replicate it. ... See more

This seems like a very good idea, especially for people who suffer from writer's block.

I have recently invested in a technique called Morning Pages. It has really brought my writing back up to par, which is important if you are going to succeed with blogging. Find out how this stream of consciousness writing exercise has transformed my life. ... See more